San Antonio Drug Crimes Attorney
Skilled Attorneys for Drug Crimes in San Antonio, Texas
If you’re facing drug charges in San Antonio, Texas, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Drug offenses range from simple possession to complex trafficking cases, with penalties that can include lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and long-term consequences like a permanent criminal record. As a dedicated San Antonio drug crimes attorney, Brad Thornton at Thornton Criminal Defense brings unparalleled expertise to fight for your freedom. With years as a former prosecutor handling everything from marijuana possession to major felony drug cases, Bradlee knows the system inside out and uses that knowledge to build aggressive defenses tailored to your situation. Don’t face these charges alone—contact our San Antonio drug possession lawyers today for a free consultation and start protecting your future.
Why Choose Brad Thornton: A Former Prosecutor’s Edge in San Antonio Drug Defense
Bradlee Thornton isn’t just any criminal defense attorney—he’s a former prosecutor who has led cases from arrest to appeal, including high-stakes drug crimes like possession, distribution, and trafficking. His insider knowledge of how prosecutors build cases gives him a unique advantage in dismantling them. Bradlee has fought for justice in San Antonio courtrooms on everything from minor marijuana offenses to serious felony charges involving cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs. This experience allows him to anticipate the opposition’s strategies, negotiate effectively with district attorneys, and pursue outcomes like charge reductions, dismissals, or alternative sentencing.
Clients trust Bradlee for his proven track record in Bexar County courts, where he leverages local knowledge to achieve results. Whether it’s challenging unlawful searches or highlighting procedural errors, Bradlee’s authoritative approach demonstrates his expertise in Texas drug laws. As a San Antonio native committed to the community, he provides compassionate, no-nonsense representation focused on your best interests. Put his experience to work—request your free case evaluation now.
Understanding Texas Drug Laws: Penalty Groups and Classifications
Texas drug laws are governed by the Texas Controlled Substances Act, which classifies illegal substances into four Penalty Groups based on their potential for abuse and medical value. View the full Texas Controlled Substances Act. This system differs from federal schedules and directly impacts the severity of charges in San Antonio drug crimes cases:
- Penalty Group 1: Includes highly addictive drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and LSD. These carry the harshest penalties due to their high abuse potential. Learn more about this penalty group here.
- Penalty Group 2: Covers substances like ecstasy (MDMA), PCP, and some hallucinogens. Learn more about penalty group 2.
- Penalty Group 3: Involves drugs with medical uses but abuse potential, such as certain prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and anabolic steroids.
- Penalty Group 4: Includes compounds with narcotics and other substances like codeine mixtures.
Marijuana is treated separately under Texas law, with penalties escalating based on quantity. Factors like drug amount, intent (e.g., personal use vs. distribution), and location (e.g., near schools or drug-free zones) can enhance charges. Convictions often lead to collateral consequences, including driver’s license suspension, loss of professional licenses, employment barriers, and ineligibility for federal benefits. If you’re charged under these laws, a knowledgeable San Antonio drug crimes lawyer like Brad Thornton can help navigate the complexities and challenge the prosecution’s case.
FORMER PROSECUTOR
San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton has spent years in court rooms fighting for justice. As a prosecutor, Brad was a leader on cases ranging from marijuana to murder from arrest to appeal. Who better to fight for your rights than someone who knows the “other side” and has tried the toughest of cases out there. Put his experience and knowledge to work for you.
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Common Drug Offenses in San Antonio: From Possession to Trafficking
Drug crimes in Texas encompass a wide range of activities. Download the DEA’s Drugs of Abuse guide for more details. Here’s a breakdown of key offenses, with insights on how Thornton Criminal Defense can defend you:
Drug Possession Charges in San Antonio
Possession means having control over a controlled substance without a valid prescription. This includes actual possession (on your person) or constructive possession (knowledge and access, even if not physically held). Penalties depend on the Penalty Group and quantity:
- Less than 1 gram of Penalty Group 1 substances (e.g., cocaine, heroin, meth): State jail felony, 180 days to 2 years in jail, up to $10,000 fine.
- Larger amounts: Can escalate to first-degree felony, with 5-99 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
For marijuana possession:
- Under 2 ounces: Class B misdemeanor, up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine.
- 2-4 ounces: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine.
- Over 4 ounces: Felony charges with steeper penalties.
Enhancements apply in drug-free zones, like within 1,000 feet of schools, adding mandatory minimums. Bradlee Thornton, as a former prosecutor, excels at challenging evidence in these cases, often seeking dismissals for rights violations.
Drug Manufacturing and Trafficking
Manufacturing involves producing or cultivating drugs, while trafficking refers to large-scale transportation or importation, often with federal implications if crossing state lines. These are typically first-degree felonies, with sentences from 5 years to life and fines up to $250,000. Factors like quantity, use of weapons, or organized crime ties worsen outcomes. Bradlee’s prosecutorial background helps in negotiating with federal authorities and exposing flaws in the investigation.
Prescription Drug Fraud and Forgery
This includes forging prescriptions, doctor shopping, or altering legitimate scripts for drugs like opioids or Xanax. Penalties mirror the substance’s Penalty Group, ranging from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies (2-99 years, up to $10,000 fine). We defend these cases by verifying medical records and arguing lack of intent.
Federal Drug Charges in San Antonio
If your case involves interstate activity or large quantities, it may go federal, with mandatory minimums under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. Bradlee Thornton handles both state and federal courts, using his experience to mitigate these high-stakes charges.
Punishment Ranges
| Level of Offense | Potential Incarceration | Potential Fine |
| First-degree Felony | 5 - 99 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| Second-degree Felony | 2 - 20 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| Third-degree Felony | 2 - 10 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| State Jail Felony | 180 days - 2 years in jail | Up to $10,000 |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail | Up to $4,000 |
| Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in jail | Up to $2,000 |
One prior felony can bump charges up a level; two priors may mandate 25 years to life. Marijuana cases under 4 ounces are often misdemeanors but can become felonies with intent or zones. For personalized advice on your San Antonio drug charges, consult our experienced attorneys.
Building a Strong Defense Against Drug Charges in San Antonio
Effective defense starts with a thorough case review. Common strategies include:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights (e.g., no probable cause or warrant), evidence may be suppressed.
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent: Proving you were unaware of the drugs or lacked control (e.g., in constructive possession cases).
- Entrapment: Arguing law enforcement induced the crime.
- Misidentification or Chain-of-Custody Errors: Challenging witness credibility or evidence handling.
- Valid Prescription or Medical Necessity: For prescription-related charges.
- Procedural Violations: Highlighting errors in arrest or investigation.
Bradlee Thornton meticulously analyzes police reports, lab results, and videos to uncover weaknesses, often leading to reduced charges, dismissals, or alternatives like pretrial diversion, deferred adjudication, probation, or drug treatment programs for first-time offenders. Learn more in this complete guide to defending drug charges. You can also explore Bexar County’s Felony Drug Court program.
What to Do After a Drug Arrest in San Antonio
- Remain silent and request an attorney immediately—don’t discuss details with police.
- Note arrest details, including officers involved and circumstances.
- Contact Thornton Criminal Defense for prompt bail assistance and case evaluation.
- Avoid social media or discussing your case publicly.
- Comply with bond conditions while we work to protect your rights.
Acting quickly can preserve evidence and strengthen your defense in Bexar County courts. Check Bexar County Pretrial Services for bond conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crimes in Texas
Schedule a Free Consultation with San Antonio Drug Crimes Attorney Bradlee Thornton Today
Drug charges demand immediate, expert action. At Thornton Criminal Defense, we’re committed to defending your rights and pursuing the best outcome—whether that’s dismissal, reduced charges, or alternative resolutions. As a trusted San Antonio drug crimes lawyer, Brad Thornton uses his authoritative knowledge and courtroom prowess to fight for you. Contact us now for a confidential, free consultation. Let us safeguard your future in Bexar County and beyond. Call or fill out our form—help is just a step away.
